{"id":"elroy-cheo","hidden":false,"ipfs":"QmYS5bZ43WyRVHbc39yp8ANJbDcjWoNjujPDx6H7D9emF8","language":"en","transactionHash":"0x5afa6ab61b91754008f550d67314e33b28ec351c02cae8207eb50d07e57123a4","created":"2025-10-01T16:49:56.232Z","updated":"2026-09-03T10:07:54.131Z","title":"Elroy Cheo","summary":"Elroy Cheo is a Singaporean entrepreneur and CEO-co-founder of ARC Community, an Asia-based Web3 collective. His career spans commodities trading, property development, and blockchain-focused community building.","content":"**Elroy Cheo** is a Singaporean entrepreneur who serves as CEO and co-founder of [ARC Community](https://iq.wiki/wiki/arc-community), a [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) collective based in Asia, and is known for his work in commodities trading, large-scale property development, and [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) technology. He is a co-founder of ARC Community, an exclusive, members-only [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) collective that utilizes [NFTs](https://iq.wiki/wiki/non-fungible-token-nft) and tokens to facilitate collaboration and project development among its members in Asia.[[4]](#cite-id-GBcnroeaIE)\n $$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](https://youtube.com/watch?v=yDgFRFV_t44)$$\n\n## Career\n\nCheo began his career in commodities trading before transitioning to large-scale property development. In this role, he managed significant projects, including a mega-city development in China where he oversaw the transformation of undeveloped land into urban infrastructure. He has cited this experience as foundational to his understanding of building valuable systems from the ground up.[\\[2\\]](#cite-id-HKfvXP67cQ)​\n\nHis entry into the [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) sector occurred in 2016 through a project developed with his uncle, a software developer. The project aimed to resolve music copyright disputes by consolidating fragmented ownership records on-chain. This early involvement shaped his view of [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) as a tool for accountability and value creation rather than speculation.[\\[1\\]](#cite-id-ik4iQJX96Z)​\n\nIn 2022, Cheo co-founded [ARC Community](https://iq.wiki/wiki/arc-community) with Kiat Lim and Singaporean musician JJ Lin. As the platform's architect, Cheo is responsible for its design and member experience. ARC is an app-based, members-only [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) collective that uses [NFTs](https://iq.wiki/wiki/non-fungible-token-nft) as proof of membership, granting access to networking opportunities, events, and collaborations. The community is limited to 888 members to maintain a focus on high-quality engagement. Cheo's vision for ARC is to create a community-driven investment and incubation powerhouse.[\\[1\\]](#cite-id-ik4iQJX96Z)​[\\[2\\]](#cite-id-HKfvXP67cQ)​\n\n​[CoinDesk](https://iq.wiki/wiki/coindesk) and Consensus Hong Kong describe Cheo as CEO and architect of ARC, responsible for designing the ARC experience, including community interactions, content, user interface, and the platform's technology backbone; ARC uses a Stellar NFT and a Soulbound Token called Fyrian to provide members access to its app, events, and merchandise.[\\[9\\]](#cite-id-70lcmpg96u)​[\\[2\\]](#cite-id-HKfvXP67cQ)​\n\nIn April 2026, ARC's Roundtables initiative highlighted Cheo in his capacity as ARC's CEO, convening small groups of builders for closed-door discussions on founder challenges and collaborative problem-solving.[\\[10\\]](#cite-id-tays6aua8e)​\n\n## Interviews\n\n### New Web3 Connection Rules\n\nIn a TEDx talk in July 2025, Cheo discussed how the emergence of [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) has redefined connections in a more meritocratic and inclusive way, contrasting it with the credential-driven networking of the past. He shared an anecdote about connecting with an individual represented by a cat avatar, highlighting the meaningful conversations they had without knowing each other's backgrounds, which ultimately strengthened their real-life relationship. Cheo emphasized that [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) aims to dismantle intermediaries and promote a democratic exchange of ideas, reminiscent of the original vision for the internet. He also described how his organization, [ARC Community](https://iq.wiki/wiki/arc-community), fosters community engagement through a merit-based system that prioritizes contributions, promoting brand loyalty and shared ownership among members. This approach to community building reflects a shift toward user-centric growth in the evolving digital landscape, suggesting a future where communities play a key role in enhancing brand development and engagement.[[5]](#cite-id-cazSaP0VAO)\n $$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](https://youtube.com/watch?v=RuU7IckwN7o)$$ \n\n### ARC Community\n\nIn March 2024, on Parallax’s *Interviews with Founders* podcast, Patrick Dang interviewed Cheo, co-founder of [ARC Community](https://iq.wiki/wiki/arc-community), an exclusive digital community focused on the [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) space, which aims to foster collaboration and connection among its members. Cheo described ARC's origin, emphasizing its motivation to create a sense of belonging in an increasingly digital world, contrasting it with traditional Web 2.0 platforms that prioritize value extraction over community building. He detailed how ARC members, often described as a \"gang,\" support one another by sharing opportunities, resources, and knowledge, all while striving for collective growth rather than individual gain. Furthermore, Cheo noted the importance of physical gatherings, such as retreats, in cementing relationships that began online. ARC's unique model also aims to provide valuable experiences for its members, asserting that their network and collaboration are key assets that cannot be easily replicated. Ultimately, the discussion highlighted ARC's mission to redefine community engagement within the [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) space, prioritizing emotional attachment and shared purpose among its diverse members.[[6]](#cite-id-VdsXRSpiGJ)\n $$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](https://youtube.com/watch?v=tBJGGDSt8Rw)$$ \n\n### Cheo’s Web3 Journey\n\nIn January 2023, host Paige Parker conversed with Cheo on the Pass the Power podcast, discussing the male-dominated nature of the [crypto](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) space and emphasizing the need to bring more women into it through education and inclusion. He shared insights about his upbringing in a traditional family, his experience with cancer at a young age, and the struggles he faced in adolescence, which included a rebellious phase following his recovery. Cheo highlighted his transition into entrepreneurship in the [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) sphere, revealing how his passion for community led to the establishment of [ARC Community](https://iq.wiki/wiki/arc-community), which aims to unite diverse individuals for collaborative projects. He concluded by sharing the importance of passion and persistence in the entrepreneurial journey, asserting that genuine contributions to the community are crucial for success.[[3]](#cite-id-aTHbwtJRbp)\n $$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](https://youtube.com/watch?v=_LLkH3Bm-Xw)$$ \n\n### Reading and Influences\n\nIn December 2025, Singapore newspaper Lianhe Zaobao profiled Cheo as ARC president and co-founder in a cultural feature, where he discussed how reading Robert Caro's *The Power Broker* influenced his views on systems, power, trust, and the importance of building empowering relationship networks. He also mentioned his interest in the film *Conclave* for its exploration of community cohesion, internal division, and polarization.[[11]](#cite-id-pg8bqxidu1)\n\n## Panels\n\nIn February 2025, Cheo was a speaker at Consensus Hong Kong 2025, where he discussed Asia's role in [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3), NFT-driven digital identity, and community-first NFT use cases, drawing on his experience building ARC as a digital-first institution.[[2]](#cite-id-HKfvXP67cQ)\n\n### Bear Market Building\n\nAt Gateway Korea in October 2023, a panel discussion titled \"Community All-Stars Talk [Bear Market](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bear-market) Building\" featured prominent figures from the [NFT](https://iq.wiki/wiki/non-fungible-token-nft) space who shared insights on building community during challenging market conditions. Moderated by Matt Medved (NFT Now), the conversation featured contributions from artists and community leaders, including Dave Krugman (ALLSHIPS), Cheo, [Frank DeGods](https://iq.wiki/wiki/frank-degods) ([DeGods](https://iq.wiki/wiki/degods)/y00ts), and GMoney (Admit One/990CC). They discussed the evolving nature of community in [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3), emphasizing the importance of fostering genuine connections and understanding member needs amidst shifting dynamics, particularly with the decline of creator royalties. Panelists emphasized that while traditional community-building metrics, such as financial gains, may falter, creating meaningful engagement, intrinsic value, and a sense of belonging can lead to long-term sustainability. The session highlighted various strategies for maintaining community focus, such as aligning incentives with members' intrinsic motivations, rather than merely focusing on financial considerations. Moreover, they acknowledged the toll of community accountability on mental health and emphasized the necessity of setting realistic expectations and maintaining integrity in their work.[[7]](#cite-id-LWqtwtwmmr)\n $$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](https://youtube.com/watch?v=8ZhWXWEoa6Q)$$ \n\n### Web3 Community Building\n\nAt [Taipei Blockchain Week](https://iq.wiki/wiki/taipei-blockchain-week) in May 2023, a panel discussion focused on community building for [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) creators took place, highlighting the unique opportunities and challenges within this evolving digital landscape. Moderated by [Gabriel Yang](https://iq.wiki/wiki/gabriel-yang) ([ARC Community](https://iq.wiki/wiki/arc-community)), the session featured various panelists, including Cheo, Annie Yi (THeirsverse), DiscoETH (ZombieClub), and Fredrick Fung ([Tezos](https://iq.wiki/wiki/tezos) APAC), who shared insights from their experiences with [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) projects and communities. They discussed the significance of decentralization, the role of creators in fostering community engagement, and the need for community-driven initiatives to sustain attention and participation. The dialogue emphasized the importance of establishing trust, offering unique experiences, and leveraging [NFTs](https://iq.wiki/wiki/non-fungible-token-nft) as a means of connecting creators with their audiences. Throughout the discussion, panelists also addressed the balance between community-led and informed efforts, ultimately outlining strategies for cultivating thriving, resilient communities within the [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) ecosystem.[[8]](#cite-id-tkxBdUwZee)\n $$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](https://youtube.com/watch?v=78kMhF-s1zQ)$$","recentActivity":null,"operator":{"id":"0x1E23b34d3106F0C1c74D17f2Cd0F65cdb039b138"},"categories":[{"id":"people","title":"People in crypto"}],"tags":[{"id":"Founder"},{"id":"Developer"}],"images":[{"id":"QmS3q1TYhswTWuao4DU8u73DiGcHHJ1uWRnngV9XGr6N3c","type":"image/jpeg, 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